Best Toys 2018 for Boys and Girls

With birthdays and other special occasions fast approaching, many parents are turning to the must-have lists of toys to see what special new gift they should buy for their child this season. What characters are popular? What play sets are highly rated? The following list of fifteen toys is presented with the aim to provide inspiration and gift ideas and focuses on some of the top sellers in different categories, as well as some of the alternative toys that you may not have come across. To make things slightly easier, the list has been separated into sections: toys designed for boys, toys designed for girls, toys that are more unisex for a younger child to enjoy and finally some of the more high-tech offerings for older kids and teenagers.

Our Pick of the Best Toys for 2018

Crayola Air Marker Sprayer

Crayola markers are fun to draw with, but sometimes kids want some new gifts to play with to push their creativity. That is where the Crayola Air Marker Sprayer comes in. The basic idea here is to use a high powered jet of air to blow the ink from the markers to create a whole new effect – a little like blending spray cans for graffiti with airbrushing techniques. The pack comes with 5 compatible washable markers, 10 sheets of paper and 2 stencil sheets. This should be all kids need to get started with their first designs before branching out with new ideas.

Crayola have designed this product so that it is easy to use. The system is powered through mains power and a simple trigger system that is easy fro small hands to manage. They just hold the gun, pull the trigger and direct the color where they want it for personal creations. The other great thing about this system is that it is easy to attach the markers to switch between colors and to change the effect on the spray but turning the nozzle. With practice, kids can create all sorts of designs and “graffiti” large pieces of paper.

Fisher-Price Shimmer and Shine Magic Flying Carpet

The Fisher-Price Shimmer and Shine Magic Flying Carpet lets children take their favorite Shimmer and Shine characters on a magic carpet complete with authentic movements and a great design. The carpet is a beautifully crafted toy with all the colors and details that young girls would expect from a “real” flying carpet. The carpet has two seats for the two dolls. These pretty characters are dressed in cute genie outfits with their brightly colored hair tied on top of their heads and fun details like the jewellery and shoes. These pose-able dolls can be posed in either a seated or lying down position, which allows them to look down at the world as they fly past.

There are two important elements to this fun “flying” magic carpet. The first is the use of wheels on the base. This means that children can push the toy along a flat surface and the material will flutter realistically. The second is the motion sensor that responds to upward and downward motions during more energetic rides. The carpet responds with sounds and phrases that add to the creative play. All children have to do is press the jewel on the carpet to get started.

Googly Eyes Game Family Drawing Game

Drawing games are always a cool idea for girls and boys that want to unleash their creative side. The Googly Eyes Game Family Drawing Game is one of the best ideas for gifts of this nature for 2016 because it requires a whole new way of thinking. The basic premise is simple. Players have to draw a picture and the rest of the player guess what it is. The only problem is that the artist has to wear goggles that distort their vision, which means it is hard to tell where the lines are meant to be. There are three goggles with three difficulty settings, a board with spaces and die and plenty of cards.

This game is best recommended for those in the age group of 7 and up. The challenge and frustration of the glasses and the need for cooperative play may be a little much for anyone younger. Having said this, the joy of this game is that it gives everyone a handicap – from younger siblings to overconfident adults – and everyone can laugh about the results. It is a great idea for keeping children entertained over the holiday season and the concept means that players can get creative for a long time to come.

Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar Toy

Caterpillars are a great source of entertainment for toddlers and babies, whether they are emerging into butterflies or just ‘Very Hungry’. The Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-A-Pillar Toy takes this iconic bug and gives it a whole new purpose for a fun sensory experience for this age group. Girls and boys will love this gender neutral toy and the chance to create their own experiences. There are colored lights in multiple colors, different sounds and the ability to move in different directions.

It is almost like the most basic of introductions to coding and sequencing for toddlers – which isn’t a surprising development. The caterpillar is made from a motorized head and 9 separate segments with their own colored light and function. It is up to kids how they attach the segments to form their own sequence. They decide where to place the segment for dance, wiggling and turning left or right. With practice, kids can try and code the toy so that it moves from the start marker to the finish market. It is an educational toy about cause and effect and that manages to stay fun and interesting as children develop.

SmartLab Toys Ultimate Secret Formula Lab

Chemistry sets have been a classic part of kids gifts for decades and have developed greatly over the years. The SmartLab Toys Ultimate Secret Formula Lab is one of the best examples, with its cool design and great features. There is so much included that boys and girls aged 8 and up can play around with the elements for ages. The main toy is the experimentation station with its valves and plungers, but there are also additional piece for a correct results. These include the pH test strips, petri dish, pipette, test tubes and beaker.

There are 40 different experiments to try here within a 32 page lab book, with lots of fun results. The liquids can change state, change colour and showcase all kinds of reactions. The foaming pink volcano is a trick that all school kids need to learn and this is an entertaining, safe way to do so. It is a great starting point to get kids interested in chemistry, but it is also just a lot of fun. The addition bonus here is that once the ingredients run out, there are instructions on how to continue with household ingredients.

Nerf Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-Pack

Nerf are one of the top names to go to when looking for gifts with projectiles and other cool weapons for young boys. Parents are undoubtedly used to products like missile launchers and water pistols causing carnage in the household. For 2016, Nerf have gone for something a little less messy, but just as fun, with the Nerf Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-Pack.

This time kids can recreate the wonders of a laser tag battleground in their own back yard. The basic ideas are pretty much the same. There are two distinct, cool looking Phoenix LTX taggers – one blue and orange and one gold and orange – and player take aim and fire on their opponent. Shots register with lights, sounds and vibrations, so it is pretty hard to fake a hit or a dodge. There is also a recoil feature on the gun after a shot is fired for a more realistic and intense experience. This is a great for boys of all ages – and any girls that want to join in – to blow off steam in the winter months. The added bonus here is that some families have been able to use multiple sets in one battle, so it is more than just a 2 player game.

Pie Face Showdown

At the time of writing, the Pie Face Showdown Game from Hasbro is currently the number one new release for board games on Amazon. Pie Face was a huge hit thanks to its simple concept, its accessibility to any age group and the chance to humiliate elders with some slapstick. The Pie Face Showdown is no different.

The fun element of the game for most players is the sense that you never know when the throwing arm will rise up and chuck the pie. The added sense of jeopardy with the Showdown release is that this is only for two players. This is the sudden death finale to release the tension of who ate the last mince pie. Players must frantically push the button to try and move the arm away from their face. The set comes with the pie thrower, arm, two chin rests, two splash guard masks and a sponge. It promises to be easy to set up and clean, so parents should be too worried about children making a mess. The only downside is that you have to supply your own whipped cream to make the “pies”. Having said that, that does mean you can make those pies as big and messy as you want.

Snap Circuits 3D Illumination Electronics Discovery Kit

The Snap Circuits 3D Illumination Electronics Discovery Kit is a new product for that looks quite complicated but intriguing all the same. This is the best kit for the scientists of the family that want hands-on experience into electronics and how circuits work. Here boys and girls can work on over 150 different projects. Kids can create a connection put in the batteries and watch the unit light up to show that they were correct. If it doesn’t light up, they can go over their design and learn what went wrong.

The aim of this kit is to bring electronics and circuit building to young minds in a way that is easy to understand and use. This is ensured through the use of snap modules. All the pieces snap together for a secure connection that doesn’t require any tools or dangerous soldering. The strength and simplicity of this approach means that kids can create 3D models with vertical and upside-down parts. Also, this set is compatible with other sets and elements in the range, so users can expand even further. This gift won Creative Child Toy of the Year, and it is easy to see why.

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Mat

LeapFrog have always been a brilliant leader in the world of educational toys and gifts for young boys and girls. The holiday season is no different because there is the LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Mat. This electronic mat is powered by three AAA batteries and has 10 different colored circles with bold numbers and cute characters. Each circle contains its own song while the 10th puts the mat into free play mode for creativity and freedom of expression.

There are many different educational and development goals with this fun mat. The first is the chance to work on number skills with the 10 distinct pads. The second is the chance to develop motor skills as children move across the surface and follow the directions. Then there is the music and other audio elements that engage the brain in a whole other way. The individual tiles teach children about the animals depicted and the instruments played. The more able kids are to keep up and follow the sequence the more they will learn and discover. There are 50 songs in total across this 4 foot mat and the chance for two player modes, which means that kids won’t get bored in a hurry.

Magformers Standard 30 Piece Set

Magformers have taken the world by storm in recent years as a great alternative to building blocks or LEGO. This is for a younger age group that still want the simple colors and shapes but the freedom to create something more substantial. Ideally, this is recommended for kids and up because of the small parts. Essentially, it is a toy that children can grow with in their early years. This is probably why the Magformers Standard 30 Piece set is still one of the best sellers in toys and games. This cool toy has 30 pieces, although more can be added with additional sets. This means 18 squares and 12 triangles in a range of bright colors.

The key selling point with this toy is the use of magnets. Kids don’t have to rely on balancing blocks or struggling with connecting bricks to make interesting shapes and structures. The Neodymium Rare-Earth magnets are designed to be strong enough never to lose their grip, giving this toy greater longevity. This means that kids can let their imaginations run wild as they discover new 3D shapes and combinations. The range of shapes means that there are countless design options to discover.

K’NEX 100 Model Building Set

K’Nex have always been one of the best companies around for education toys based on engineering and their K’NEX 100 Model Building Set is a great example. This gift is designed for children aged 7 and up due to the complexity of the projects and size of the pieces, but it shouldn’t be too challenging once they engage with it. The appeal here has always been the moving parts, which provides a greater project than other building sets. Not only can they follow a design, they can follow the instructions well enough to have the car, helicopter of windmill work as required. This means that the pack includes wheels, rotors, tracks and much more.

As the name suggests, there are 100 building project ideas here that take advantage of all these elements, and there are 863 pieces in total. The selling points are the blimp and Eiffel Tower, but the beauty of the kit is the range of opportunities. All 100 designs are listed in the manual with illustrations and there is plenty here to keep kids entertained for hours. Furthermore, everything packs up into a suitcase storage box so it can also travel to relatives’ house over the holidays.

Lionel Polar Express Ready to Play Train Set

A train set is always going to be a big hit for the holiday season if you have a young boy or girl that is into train travel and steam locomotives. Lionel is a company that is a pretty safe bet when it comes to great designs and reliable tracks, which is why many would recommend the Lionel Polar Express Ready to Play Train Set. This Christmas themed set include a the train and its carriages – including a passenger car and observation car – as well as 32 pieces of track and a RC remote control. Just build the track, find some batteries, line up the cars and off you go.

That remote control is essential if children are going to be able to keep this train running to time on the way to the North Pole. It also controls the headlight, bell and whistle for a more authentic experience. There is enough attention to detail here to appeal to players of all ages, such as the clever silhouettes of passengers in the windows. While the repeated announcements of “I am the king of the North Pole” may get a little annoying, this is still one of the best gifts to get families in the mood for Christmas.

Super Stadium Baseball Game

There are educational toys and there are fun games. Sometimes, a company will find a way to marry the two elements into something cool and unique. That is precisely what International Playthings have done with their Super Stadium Baseball game. It promises a realistic simulation of the sport on a cute baseball diamond with fun characters. It is designed for players in the age group of 6 and up that are starting to get into the sport and want to know more about the rules and details of play. Players receive the 16.5xx16.5 field, 1 pitcher, 3 base runners and 7 fielders. There is also a bat, 5 balls and a score board with three pins.

There are lots of clever elements to make the game play more challenging, such as the magnetized infield and dual pitching levers. Your young boy’s fielding team have to decide where to place their players and what sort of ball to pitch. There are fast balls and curve balls to try and get a strike out. The batting team need to decide whether to put in a right or left handed batter. There are lots of components and variables at work for a diverse, intricate game.

The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game

Award-winning educational toys always make great gifts for girls and boys. A great option for is Educational Insights’ The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game. This is a game, with a clear goals and fun elements. The premise is pretty simple. Each of player has a log that they need to fill with colored acorns so that the Squirrel has enough food for winter. However, the additional elements to the game play add to the challenge, fun and educational elements.

The game is designed to teach kids about colors and strategic play while reinforcing skills of social play and hand eye co-ordination. Players take turns along the cute tree-shaped board, using the spinner to select acorns. This is where color recognition and turn-taking come into play. The acorns are then placed into the log using the cool Squirrel Squeezer, which requires motor skills. The strategic element comes from the fact that acorns can be lost and stolen. The recommended age group for this gift is 3 and up, because of the small acorns, and players of all ages and genders can enjoy this woodland adventure. This is a deceptive game that offers more than a cute squirrel character and a basic “first to five” objective.

Best Toys 2017 List

Toys for Boys

Sphero BB-8

The must have toy for the older child this year, and quite a few big kids too, is the Sphero BB-8 app-enabled droid. This robotic droid comes straight out of the Episode 7: The Force Awakens but this time its purpose is to patrol a playroom, living room or office and allow its owner to record and project holographic messages.

It all sounds very clever and this is enhanced further through an adaptive personality, autonomous behavior and the ability to listen to voice commands. At first this little droid can seem like little more than a cute toy as it rolls around, stumbling into obstacles, but it soon learns its environment and provides hours of fun for the whole family. If you kids are Lego or Star Wars crazy, click here for the latest Star Wars 7 Lego Sets

REV – Remote Controlled Artificial Intelligence Car

Anything with the word robotic in the name is going to appeal to older children because it adds another element of wonder to a toy and takes it beyond a model requiring imagination. The REV car does precisely that by giving kids aged 8 years to 15 years two “Robotic Enhanced Vehicles” to play with and race. Like the BB-8, these cars are app-enabled, have sensors that allow them to understand the gameplay and surroundings and even a sense of intelligence to adapt the gameplay.

This intelligence can be a problem in the opponent car, especially in single player mode where the autonomous car send threats your way and tries to beat you at all costs, but there a lot of battle modes and opportunities to learn the tricks and improve your skills.

Meccano MeccaNoid G15

Robotic toys are becoming more common in lists of the hottest toys for kids this year and it is no surprise that Meccano is getting in on the act with their own robot. This kit, best recommended for boys or girls aged 8 years and up due to the small, intricate parts, lets kids build their own working MeccaNoid G15, therefore offering both the fun of playing with a robotic toy and creating something themselves.

This is quite a complex kit, with its 621 parts, “Meccabrain” and other mechanical and electronic elements, and, once complete, it reaches 2 foot tall, has great motions and voice recognition and can be controlled via a downloadable app. There may be plenty of hard work involved but this top robotic toy is highly rewarding and promises to let kids build a new friend, not just a model.

Hoverboards / Self Balancing Scooters

Robot cars are cool but the one thing that we were promised in 2015, through Back to the Future at least, was the hoverboard. With 2 very prominent wheels on each side, the Swagtron self balancing scooter is not quite a hoverboard but it is the next best thing for teens looking for an alternative mode of transportation. The sales claim is that riders will be on-board and mastering this board within minutes because of the simplicity of the balancing sensors and movements and they can soon reach speeds of up to 8mph on the city streets and perhaps even learn a few tricks. This board comes in black, white, blue and red and can travel to approx 7 to 10 miles on a single charge. You can click here for models of the self balancing scooter

Syma X11C RC Quadcoptor

The final toy in this set for older children definitely falls into this category because it comes with a recommended ages of 14 years and up and seems to be pretty complex in its parts, purpose and capabilities. Reading the specification for the Syma X11C RC Quadcoptor is a lot like reading the technical spec for a high end drone with all the dimensions, battery capabilities, the details of the camera and other additional features.

This “Thunder Blue” copter looks quite cool and promises to provide great aerial shots through the 2MP HD camera while flying with with precision through the 6-axis stabilizer. For an extra sense of fun for younger users, there is even the ability to perform tricks and some flashing lights. It has a control range of a good 30 meters. Comes with a 4 Gig micro SD card.

Zoomer Dino Indominus Rex

If any child aged five and up saw the recent Jurassic World reboot and was won over by the different creatures that came to life on the big screen, the Zoomer Dino Indominus Rex toy might be a great gift choice for any occasion. This is one of the hottest options in robotic dinosaurs because of the design of the slightly scary looking Indominus Rex figure, the realistic noises and the mechanics that allow kids to control its movements as it prowls the living room landscape.

There are sensors in the nose that detect movement, clever balancing technology in the wheels and a Jurassic World-stamped remote control to guide it around and program special moves. This really is one of the more interesting robotic boys’ toys for the season and it brings the film to life in an interesting way.

Hulk Smash Toy Vehicle

There is no reason why a girl cannot like Marvel-based toys and play with action heroes but the Avengers XPV Hulk Smash Vehicle is designed with boys in mind rather than girls. The objective with this toy is a little unclear; on the one hand you have the controller to steer The Hulk around obstacles but then there are also the swinging arms for smashing into things.

This versatility of play options could be the charm for boys aged 4 years and up and there are some other neat features included to enhance the experience, such as different phrases that The Hulk says as he is driving around and the ability to do spins and flips. Additionally, if the car tips over, the swinging arms get it going pretty easily.

Paw Patrol Paw Patroller

Cars and trucks are clearly more of a boy’s toy than a girl’s one and this means that anything vehicle related immediately leans in a male direction. The Paw Patrol Paw Patroller is worth mentioning here because it is currently rated as the best selling Preschool car, truck, boat or plane toy on Amazon.com.

This smart looking multicolored truck is designed for use by kids aged 3 years and up that are fans of the Paw Patrol series and want to create their own adventures in the playroom. This rescue vehicle is a transporter for other toys, with a working elevator and sound effects, and this means that kids can load up the included ATV and Ryder figure – or other toys that happen to fit – and take them on important missions.

Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster

There are some toys that just continue to evolve and diversify over the years with no sign of running out of steam. Nerf are still aiming to produce the top blaster for boys that want nothing more than to run around the neighborhood shooting darts at each other.

The Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS-10 Blaster is attractive, if you are into that sort of thing, and has in impressive specification that suits its size and complexity. The darts are loaded 10 at a time into the banana clip and can be launched up to 90 feet away, there is dual-rail barrel and targeting scope and, best of all, there are 30 combinations for building this blaster so kids can be sure of a different looking gun than their friends and compete to make the best one.

Toys For Girls

FurReal Friends StarLily

It is a bit odd when a specification for a toy says “responds to touch with lifelike movements” and they are talking about the “lifelike” movements of a magical unicorn, although it is these motions and other interactive elements that make the best selling FurReal Friends StarLily model so appealing to young girls that have long wished for this cute character to come to life in their bedrooms.

When girls pet StarLily she can flutter her wings and her horn lights up and there is also the ability to feed her a treat. In fact there are over 100 interactions that can be activated by voice and touch commands and the ability to connect through an app. All of these options and the huggable, cute design mean that this top girls electronic toy will never become boring.

Disney Frozen Karaoke Machine

A karaoke machine is always a bit hit with young girls that want to pretend to be their favorite idols but there is perhaps some surprise about the theme of the #1 best selling kid’s karaoke machine on Amazon right now. Frozen may be over a year old now but the Disney Frozen Karaoke machine, recommended for ages up to 8 years, is still highly appealing with its CD and cute design.

There is a practical side to this product too, as it has a handle at the top for portability and its own branded microphone, and it also connects to the TV, which means that the familiar sounds of “Do you want to build a snowman?” can be heard at great volume throughout the house all Christmas.

Barbie Dreamhouse

It is hard to keep track of just how many dreamhouses that Barbie has had over her lifetime but the current Barbie Dreamhouse really does ensure that she has everything that she might want for modern living. This top property boasts three floors with contemporary décor and a clear pink theme to the decoration, there a separate dining room, walk-in closet and even a pet room – so plenty of space to play – and even an elevator with a pulley mechanism.

What really makes this home special for the doll, and the girls aged 3-10 years acting as landlord, is that it comes with a series of smart accessories that fit into place as desired to produce new lights, sounds and motions to interact with, such as the aquarium.

Project Mc2 Ultimate Lab Kit

If you are looking for a toy for a girl this holiday season in the way of play sets, but do not want to go down the more stereotypical routes of gender roles, the Project Mc2 Ultimate Lab Kit could be a great alternative. This fold-out case has over 30 pieces of equipment on board, including a fully working microscope, glass slides, pH strips and goggles, and this allows kids to recreate the experiments in the booklet.

The kit is based on Project Mc2, where girl scientists are cool and fun, and it lets budding chemists aged 6 years to 12 years bring the show to life in their own bedrooms and see themselves as true S.T.E.A.M members. For a sense of extra fun there is also the Project Mc2 ring and stickers.

Barbie Saddle ‘N Ride Horse

The dolls and characters from Project Mc2 offer something a little different for girls that are more scientifically minded but there are always the more traditional, girly dolls. Many young girls love pink and ponies and this means that the Barbie Saddle ‘N Ride Horse is ideally designed, with the very cute horse and the pink accessories from bridle to the helmet and rosette.

This Barbie is dressed for a long ride in the country but can be played with either on horseback or on foot by pressing the release on the rosette, which allows her to climb down and brush the pony’s hair with the included hairbrush. There are plenty of opportunities to show off and have a fun equestrian adventure, especially as the articulated horse actually walks.

Zoomer Kitty

There is the clear sense that the Zoomer Kitty is designed to appeal to girls with the cute face of the oddly shaped cat and the fact that there is a model in bright pink, but there is no reason why young boys of 5 years and up cannot play with the pounce mode and cuddle mode too.

This interactive cat is currently the best seller in electronic pets on Amazon.com and this is probably largely due to the wide range of actions that can be performed; Zoomer kitty is very playful with her additional toys and tricks but she appears to be affectionate to, with the ability to nuzzle into her new owner and purr with joy as she is petted. With so much to do, there is the chance that her batteries will run flat but they are easily recharged via the USB charging cable.

Unisex Toys

Play All Day Elmo

Every year that passes brings a new Elmo toy of some description because there is a timeless charm in this cute red Sesame Street character for toddler boys and girls and this year is no different. The plush Playskool Play All Day Elmo is definitely more than just a cuddly toy to hug in bed at night because there are interactive elements to enhance the character.

The ability to get a reaction by tickling Elmo’s furry tummy is nothing new but there are actually 8 different games and over 150 responses that Elmo can give to really make him come to life as a more interesting developmental toy. The main selling point has to be that this is a companion for kids to grow with, as there is the choice of Toddler and Preschool mode, and the range of abilities ensure he will a much loved friend in different situations.

Shopkins Season 3 Mega Pack

If your child is a fan of the Shopkins series and the characters then a set of figures and accessories could be the best choice of gift for them this holiday season and a great way to bring their adventures to the playroom.

The Shopkins Season 3 Mega Pack offers a selection of 20 well-molded figures as well as a big pink glittery basket and six bags, which should be everything that kids need to get started in their own shopping adventures, but parents will not miss the fact that it comes with an unsubtle “collectors guide” for future purchases. Essentially this is a starter pack for a bigger collection, so parent may want to think about what they are starting, but it will enhance a child’s love of the series and odd little characters.

Kidizoom Action Cam

Another unisex kid’s toy that focuses on learning and development comes from the respected company Vtech. The Kidizoom Action Cam is actually the top seller on Amazon for kid’s electronic learning toys and it is easy to see why when you look at the features provided. It may look like a kid’s toy but this product has a rechargeable Li-ion battery, 1.4′ LCD screen, a microSD slot and the ability to take photos and videos with an additional time-lapse mode.

This puts it on a par with some cheap adult cameras but there are extra details for the kids such as the mounts to attach to a bike or skateboard, the waterproof case and the different effects that can be added to the footage. Recommended for boys and girls of 4 years to 9 years of age.

Minions Bob with Teddy Bear

Some toys are not restricted by gender and simply offer something fun and lovable for young children to play with. This is especially true of the Minions Bob with Teddy Bear because it brings the inexplicably adorable form of Bob in soft, plush form with that additional bear by his side.

This is an official Despicable Me toy for kids to love and hug and when they do, Bob responds to their affection with his trademark voice and sound effects and his cheeks even light up. This is a great choice for young children who love the films and want their very own minion in bed with them because it is so soft, with even the goggles made of soft material, and offers the ideal bedtime companion.

Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo

Another fun playtime companion that boys and girls of a young age will enjoy playing with is the strange creature that is the Fisher-Price Bright Beats Dance and Move BeatBo. Beatbo is one of those colorful, moving characters with plenty of features for aural and visual stimulation that are ideal for getting toddlers moving and leaning.

This “futuristic friend” can be enjoyed in three different playtime modes – Dance ‘n Move, Learning & Games, and Customized Sing-Along – and is recommended for children between 9 months and 3 years old. The dances and fun colors of this hip swinging creatures are brilliant for attracting their attention but there are also games programmed into his tummy for counting, letters and color recognition.

GoldieBlox Craft-Struction Box

An alternative form of toy that is also not bound by gender and stereotyping are those that are based on arts and crafts. Described as a “box of endless possibilities”, the GoldieBlox Craft-struction box is a pretty gender neutral kit with pieces and shapes of multiple colors that can be combined to form lots of interesting constructions that allow kids to unleash their creativity and imagination.

The aim of this kit is to help kids with spatial skills, engineering and problem solving but it is also a lot of fun. The paper and pipe cleaners may look simplistic at first but the instructions and videos show that there are some impressive moving creations to be made and there appears to be no limit on what can be imagined. A great toy for any child 3 years and up. Many reviewers have commented that whether it is a 5 year old, 7 year old or 12 year old child. All seem to live it.

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